PROS AND CONS

From entertainment to education

Due to the rising popularity of the iPad, educators can focus on this small, yet, powerful machine. It is time to harness technology and use it as a valuable tool for teachers and students.

Preparing students for a tech-savvy future.

Nowadays, students can’t live without their smart phones and tablets. If schools start teaching proper etiquette and usage of these smart devices, students will be prepared for a tech savvy future.

Encouraging engagement through technology.

Creating content through various apps can

also help students work with each other. By sharing their thoughts and ideas through various apps, it would be easier for them to communicate and express their ideas with each other.

Taking the classroom outside and beyond its four walls.

Learning doesn’t end after school. It’s best to encourage students to apply what they learned outside the classroom. Assign projects that will give them a chance to be creative. They can now harness different apps and have fun completing their after-school work.

http://teacherswithapps.com/blog-the-ipad-helping-shape-the-future-of-education/

HIGH COST

Professional development is needed to train teachers on how to use the iPads and how to effectively integrate it into classroom.

Hard to protect from daily accidents (e.g., screen shatter). Protective covering increases cost.

Need to have sufficient bandwidth to support a high volume of devices connecting to the internet at once, especially with media rich content

Since not all textbooks are available electronically, there is still a need to purchase traditional textbooks

PROPRIETARY

Only allowed to download software/apps from iTunes, controlled by Apple.

Cannot run software written for Windows or Mac

POTENTIAL FOR DISTRACTION

Kids could use the devices to look at things that interest them rather than what they’re supposed to be studying.